William’s Fund
1495. Johanna Dodd
Johanna Dodd, from Beaconsfield, has raised over £1 million to support research into childhood cancers in Oxford through ‘William’s Fund’ which she set up in memory of her late son, William.
William was diagnosed with cancer when he was only two years old, but medics were unable to fully diagnose his tumour. He underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but died at the age of four in December 2000. Ever since, Johanna has been on a mission to improve the outcome of childhood cancers, which behave differently from adult cancers and respond differently to treatment. All money raised goes directly to research taking place at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, supporting new and innovative therapies for childhood cancers.
In a personal letter to Johanna, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Congratulations on raising an amazing £1million for ‘William’s Fund’.
“You are doing a wonderful thing generating funds for such vital research to support families whose children are living with cancer in the memory of your son, William.
“Naturally you are of course now working towards £2 million and I wish you every success!”
Johanna said:
“We are thrilled William’s Fund is receiving recognition for the vital research we support. This is our legacy to William…to help future children. We were determined to be transparent in our fundraising, to work with the community, and not pay anyone, including me! We have raised over £1 million and the research in Oxford is going so well we can’t stop!! We hope this award will help to gather more funds to keep our innovative research momentum going into the future. Thank you!”
Pictured below: Johanna’s son William
